Dissident republicans are trying to undermine plans for power sharing in Northern Ireland, according to Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain.
After it emerged that senior Sinn Féin leaders have had to enhance their personal security measures after dissident republican threats, Mr Hain said he was certain the party's leadership was committed to achieving peace.
He said the dissident republicans did not want a power-sharing executive running with all parties committed to supporting police and the rule of law.
Mr Hain said he was confident that the leadership of Sinn Féin was committed to the path of 'stability, peace and democracy'.
The first important deadline facing the parties is 24 November, when DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness are due to be appointed in the Northern Ireland Assembly as Shadow of First and Deputy First Ministers.
